Efforts to spread a little festive cheer throughout Crieff have received a double funding boost.

Crieff @ Christmas, the newly-formed group now organising the Strath capital’s popular annual Christmas lights display, held a well-attended bingo tea on Friday last week.

The entertaining evening at the Royal British Legion Scotland raised a total of £669, which will be put towards the organisation of the December switch-on.

Those gathered included Angus MacDonald, who chaired Crieff Community Initiative (CCI) – which previously organised the displays – for many years prior to the group being formally dissolved earlier this year.

Mr MacDonald, also vice-chair of the town’s community council, presented Crieff @ Christmas with a cheque for the funds previously held by CCI, which totalled £2500.

On behalf of the group, Crieff @ Christmas chair John Gauld said: “Our group would like to pay tribute to Angus MacDonald and Bob Ferguson for all their hard work in the community over many years and extend our grateful thanks for the funds passed on, which shall ensure Crieff has a Christmas lights display to be proud of this year and for many years to come.

“As chairman, I’d also like to thank members of Crieff @ Christmas for their help at the bingo tea – as well as the businesses and locals who donated prizes, the event organisers, Iain and Rhona Brock for their sterling work, Roy MacDonald for his excellent bingo calling and staff Jim and Don and the British Legion.”